Home Modifications, whether minor or complex, can facilitate safety and independence by reducing or removing environmental barriers to participation.
A Place to Be Occupational Therapy is a qualified Home Modifications Assessor and an experienced provider of both minor and complex home modifications.
What are minor home modifications?
Minor home modifications, sometimes called home adaptations, are lower-cost, non-structural modifications.
These may include:
- Grab rails and handrails.
- Threshold ramps and step ramps.
- Retrofit bidet seats.
- Changes to tapware or shower fittings.
- Door modifications, including changing door handles, altering door swing direction or installing door automation.
- Changes to floor coverings to support use of mobility aids and assistive technology.
- Minor changes to kitchen or bathroom cabinetry.
What are complex home modifications?
Complex home modifications are higher cost modifications that involve structural changes to the property.
These may include:
- Bathroom modifications including level access showers, accessible basins and care suite toilets.
- Removal of a wall to increase circulation space.
- Door widening in load bearing wall.
- Installation of larger ramps.
- Installation of a stair lift, platform lift or vertical lift.
- Ceiling reinforcement and ceiling hoist installation.
- Kitchen modifications
Who can access our home modifications services?
- Clients of any age.
- Clients who have a physical or neurological disability or are elderly with multiple health conditions.
- Clients with a self-managed or plan-managed NDIS plan.
- Self-funded private clients.
Our home modifications service process
We complete a comprehensive in-home initial consultation to gain a clear understanding of the client, their support network and the activities in which they wish to participate. We complete an assessment of the home environment to identify potential barriers to function and participation. We also explain the home modifications service process tailored to the client’s specific situation and funding requirements so you know what to expect.
Following the initial consultation we provide an Initial Assessment Summary that outlines the key priorities identified and the estimated funding required to complete the service so you can make informed decisions about the next steps. If there is insufficient funding in your NDIS Plan for the OT or Building Construction Practitioner (BCP) input to complete the service we can assist you with submission of a funding request to the NDIA.
For more complex modifications a joint site visit will be arranged with the client, the OT and a Building Construction Practitioner (BCP) to explore the possible modification options to meet the client’s specific needs.
For straightforward minor modifications a joint site visit is not typically required.
The OT and BCP (if involved) will compile a detailed Scope of Works that outlines the proposed home modifications. This document helps the client, their support team and the funding body to understand what modifications are being recommended to meet the client’s specific needs. This document is also used to obtain accurate building quotes for submission to the NDIA as part of the home modifications application.
This report provides the clinical justification for the recommended home modifications. The layout, content and length of the report will vary depending on the type and complexity of the modifications being prescribed and the specific requirements of the funding body. The Home Modifications Report and a quote for the recommended modifications is submitted to the NDIA for approval of funding.
A follow up home visit is undertaken once the modifications have been finalised to ensure they have been completed as recommended and are meeting the needs of the client and their support team. This also gives us the opportunity to review outcomes and gather your valuable feedback about the process.
What you can expect from our home modifications services
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Services provided by a knowledgeable and experienced clinician.
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A high quality and thorough service – do it once, do it right!
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A client-centred, collaborative service that understands your individual needs, goals and situation.
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Solutions tailored to your specific needs and situation – no cookie-cutter solutions that don’t work optimally for you.
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A service focused on achieving positive outcomes and supporting you to achieve your goals.
Ready to take the next step?
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If you would like to find out more about our home modifications services.
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